Dutton’s comments were welcomed by some moderate members of the Liberal Party who believe that a voice should be enshrined in the constitution, including NSW Senator Andrew Bragg.
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“Bipartisan support is needed to succeed in a referendum, and the opposition should be included in all processes,” Bragg said.
“We need to play a constructive role in developing the concepts.”
A single front will facilitate the “yes” campaign to a referendum on a Voice, as there will be no official political campaign to oppose the change. Labor will also need the support of the Coalition or the Greens and cross-banking to get a referendum bill in the Senate, as they do not have a majority in the upper house.
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Green Nation First Nation spokeswoman Lidia Thorpe, a DjabWurrung Gunnai Gunditjmara woman, said her party would not try to block the action of a referendum.
“We will not stand in the way of progress for First Nations people, so if it is a matter of advancing our position in this country, we will not oppose it,” he said.
He also said he hoped to work with Linda Burney, who she believes will work to reach a consensus between parties. However, Thorpe argues that he would rather see a process of spreading the truth and treaties before the action on an indigenous voice.
“Telling the truth is paramount to any healing and moving forward. When you go to a counselor you have to accept the truth of the situation, then start having a conversation about how it heals you,” he said.
While he said the Greens would not stand in the way of progress, he said he should ultimately consult with the elders and members of the indigenous community he represents once he sees Labor’s proposal in detail.
“That’s who I’m going to listen to: people. Neither I nor my classmates listen to people. If they say ‘pass it,’ I’ll pass it. If they say ‘don’t do it,’ there, so my people here I have to do the right thing, “he said.